Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – November 14, 2023 Meeting conducted remotely by Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Jill Rhodes, Vice Chair Adrienne Novak; Members, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber and Tyler Merson; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members: Max Hart and John Solu and Council Liaison Melissa Honohan. One Member of the public, Chris Then, was present. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Rhodes at 7:30 pm. She announced the meeting was called in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. A verbal roll call was taken. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 10, 2023, Public Meeting were considered. On motion made, seconded, and carried, the minutes were approved as written. Sign & Façade Reviews: None received by November 6, 2023. TCC Reviews: 49 Park Avenue: A prior application for this property was reviewed several years ago. The existing puddingstone building is part of HPC’s Inventory and is currently used as a boarding house in significant disrepair. Current plans call for subdivision of the property with a new 2- family home constructed on the new lot and restoration of the existing building. . Architect John Guadagnoli and applicant/prospective owner Mitchell MacGregor joined the meeting and showed revised plans after review of the original design presented in the TCC meeting earlier in November. The HPC subcommittee (Dr. Rhodes, Ms. Novak and Mr. Merson) felt the design for the new building did not fit in well with the streetscape, and that the design presented at this meeting by the architect and applicant was a revised plan which the subcommittee felt was improved. The revised design shown has a continuous porch across the front and dormers with varying peaks and shapes. The scale of the new home is compatible with the puddingstone building and the windows are more Victorian. HPC’s comments and recommendations were:  A central front entrance doorway, more in keeping with the streetscape  Stairs leading to the central entrance door  Each unit to have private use of half of the porch  HPC supports the plans for renovation of the existing garage to allow for 2 cars. The architect indicated the puddingstone building will be restored with retention of windows, trim and façade, and new paint will be of historic color scheme. HPC strongly supports plans for restoration. There was discussion of various roof materials and treatments, as well as restoration of the front porch columns, which will be in proportion to the scale of the building. Mr. Guadagnoli will work on revised plans considering HPC’s recommendations and try to bring them to the December 12 meeting. Mr. Luber agreed to look for some historic photos of the puddingstone building to help with the restoration. Ms. Novak commended the owner and the architect for their efforts to preserve the puddingstone building in a manner compatible with the existing neighborhood. New Business: By-Laws Development: Ms. Lenahan is working on this project and Ms. Novak will assist with sharing ideas and editing. Other volunteers would be welcome to join. Updates from Liaisons: Open Spaces: Mr. Merson reported the Open Space Committee approved $125,000 from the Open Space Fund for purchase of the Masonic Lodge on Main Street. Additional funding was procured by a donation of $1,000,000 from Martin Heller. The Borough plans to use the space as a Senior Center and for other non-profit organizations. Zoning Board: Ms. Novak reported there were no applications in a historic district or of concern to HPC. Planning Board: Ms. Lenahan reported there were no applications of concern to HPC. Historical Society: Mr. Luber reported the Historical Society’s office has been moved to a temporary location until the library renovation is complete. The next program will be in March of 2024. Plans are progressing for the Madison History Museum in the former Court Room space in the East Wing of the Hartley Dodge Memorial. The gallery space will be preserved as closely as possible to the look of the old Court Room. Several existing light fixtures have been sent for restoration. Borough Council: The HPC is currently without a named Borough liaison as previous liaison, John Forte, stepped down from Council following Melissa Honohan’s election to the open seat he was filling. Other Business: Chris Then, who attended the meeting as an observer, shared that he had a favorable impression of the work and purpose of HPC and the knowledge and dedication of its members. Mr. Then felt his interest in history and knowledge of collecting, storing, and processing information would be an asset to HPC, and he would be willing to become a Commission member. Dr. Rhodes explained the procedure involved and hoped he would follow through with the process of seeking appointment by Mayor Conley. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary